Phoenix Suns vs Nuggets: Projected lineups, matchups, full scouting report

Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker (Photo by Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

The Phoenix Suns take on the Denver Nuggets next with a trip to the Western Conference Finals up for grabs.

The Denver Nuggets stand as no strangers to the Western Conference Finals, reaching this preliminary stage to the NBA Finals last year, but losing to the Los Angeles Lakers after five games. But the Phoenix Suns remain undeniably estranged to this grand stage though, having formerly missed out on the playoffs entirely for the last 11 years.

But based on their performance thus far, you might guess this Phoenix team has been here many times before. Devin Booker continues to lead this team with 29.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, with Deandre Ayton stepping up beside him averaging 15.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for himself.

Though Chris Paul suffered an early shoulder injury limiting his play, he appeared far less rocky during Phoenix’s last three games, helping them knock out the Los Angles Lakers after six games.

Managing injuries decently well for themselves, the Nuggets looked solid against the Portland Trail Blazers despite missing Will Barton, PJ Dozier, and of course Jamal Murray. Nikola Jokic just keeps balling, now averaging 33.0 points per game during the postseason while shooting 41.8 percent from deep.

The Nuggets won the regular season series against the Suns 2-1, but each game occurred over five months ago, and included Murray as Jokic’s second hand man. Although this series seems likely to go deep, the Suns certainly enter as the favorites.

Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets Projected Lineups

With the Suns now relatively healthy, expect them to paste their lineup from their previous series over onto this game’s card. The Nuggets kept their lineup the same for every contest during their series with the Trail Blazers, so that remains likely to stay intact as well.

Phoenix Suns Projected Staring Lineup

  • PG: Chris Paul
  • SG: Devin Booker
  • SF: Mikal Bridges
  • PF: Jae Crowder
  • C: Deandre Ayton

Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup

  • PG: Facundo Campazzo
  • SG: Austin Rivers
  • SF: Michael Porter Jr.
  • PF: Aaron Gordon
  • C: Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns: How to watch Game 1

  • Date: Monday, June 7
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. MST
  • Location: Phoenix, Arizona
  • Venue: Phoenix Suns Arena
  • TV Info: TNT
  • Live Stream: Watch TNT, fuboTV

This Game 1 contest between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets will tip off at Phoenix Suns Arena at 7:00 p.m. MST. TNT will get the call for the national telecast but the game will also be available on Watch TNT and fuboTV. Watch TNT can be accessed by either downloading the app or online, and then logging in with your TV provider or TNT account.